Letter from the Editor - Canadian Dermatology Association

March 2014
Letter from the Editor: Practice Management
Charles W. Lynde, MD FRCPC
The theme of this CDA eBulletin is Practice Management. While the CDA
offers a number of member benefits including the JCMS Journal, annual meeting, and CME
opportunities, it continues to evolve and now has added Practice Management tools.
Most of us are well schooled in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases, but we are
often less competent in the real life skills of establishing and running a practice. Most of the
long standing offices have learned by trial and error “the ins and outs” of practice
management. Just when we thought everything was under control, new issues surfaced in
our office that forced a curve ball requiring reconfiguration in the office structure. As such,
the area of practice management is of utmost importance. As dermatologists we love to run
efficient offices. Our depth of expertise is best shared with our patients in an office that is
smooth running with efficient and pleasant staff.
It was thought we would commission for practice management articles in general
dermatology and build upon this concept. We were particularly interested in a new
dermatology graduate’s perspective who could outline whether they opened their own
practice and share some insight on some of the ease or challenges that came with this
opportunity. Alternatively, our interest was focused on a new dermatologist joining an
established practice and what insight they could offer in this discussion. Alas, despite
requests of several potential invitees, we had no takers for the task. We also wanted to include
and showcase opinions and experiences of seasoned dermatologists as an additional focal
point for this initiative.
Dr. Rod Kunynetz (Barrie, ON) responded to our request and has written an article on how to
run an efficient practice combining both medical and research dermatology. Running a
medical office and a research practice concurrently requires special skills to complete this
balancing act. Dr. Kunynetz has been able to successfully accomplish this task.
Most dermatologists would like to continue their office well into their mature years, as they
find patients interesting and their work stimulating. However, all good things do come to an
end and closing your practice is a complex undertaking. Dr. Agnes Reicher has just recently
closed her practice. She shares her experience and perspectives in her article published in this
Bulletin.
We will be doing a second eBulletin in June 2014 on Practice Management. The CDA is
developing this new initiative to support members to allow them to better understand Practice
Management, i.e., recruitment agencies and medical marketing campaigns. Particular focus
will be placed on practice management tools as developed by the CDA.
Stay tuned to your CDA eBulletin for more information.
Editorial Board /
Conseil de rédaction
National editor/
Rédacteur en chef
Regional editors /
Rédacteurs régionaux
Robert Jackson, MD
Ottawa, ON
Paul Kuzel, MD
Edmonton, AB
Charles W. Lynde, MD
Markham, ON
Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto, ON
Ian Landells, MD
St. John’s, NL
G. Daniel Schachter, MD
Toronto, MD
Executive director /
Directeure générale
Marc Bourcier, MD
Moncton, NB
Catherine McCuaig, MD
Montréal, QC
Victoria Taraska, MD
Winnipeg, MB
Chantal Courchesne
Ottawa, ON
Peter R. Hull, MD
Saskatoon, SK
Kathleen Moses, MD
Ottawa, ON
Catherine Zip, MD
Calgary, AB
Statements and opinions expressed in the CDA eBulletin
reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the
CDA. The CDA does not assume responsibility or liability for
damages arising from errors or omissions or from the use of
information or advice contained in the CDA eBulletin articles
or letters.
The Canadian Dermatology Association eBulletin is issued monthly as a
forum for Association news, information of interest to members and for
members’ opinions. Please notify the Executive Director of any change
in address.
L’Association canadienne de dermatologie publie chaque mois le
bulletin électronique en tant que forum de nouvelles de l’Association,
d’informations qui pourraient intéresser nos membres, ainsi que pour
Les textes et les opinions publiés dans le bulletin
électronique de l’ACD reflètent les points de vue de leurs
auteurs et non pas nécessairement ceux de l’ACD. L’ACD ne
peut être tenue responsable des dommages qui pourraient
résulter d’erreurs ou d’omissions reliées à l’utilisation de
renseignements ou de conseils inclus dans les articles ou
lettres apparaissant dans le bulletin électronique.
recueillir leurs opinions. Prière d’aviser la directeure générale pour tout
changement d’adresse.
CHANTAL COURCHESNE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTEURE GÉNÉRALE
425-1385 rue, Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1H 8N4
Tel: (613) 738-1748 / 1-800-267-3376 | Fax: (613) 738-4695
[email protected]